19 June, 2011

"Hollywood star can break Tiger & JACK's record"

"For someone so young to have such a public meltdown as Rory did at the Masters; you wonder if it'd leave a scar on him. But he's come back to play some of the best golf I've ever seen,"- Butch Harmon

GLORY FOR RORY: 2011 U.S. Open Champion

Breaking a number of records; Rory McIlroy tonight became the youngest winner of the US Open since 1923 with a (comfortably) record score of 16 under par at Congressional Golf Course in Washington tonight. The Hollywood (Co. Down) native has recovered in the best possible way from his Masters meltdown at Augusta precisely 10 weeks ago. The 22 year-old led by four strokes going into the final round, but showed his age by collapsing under the pressure on the back nine on Sunday at Augusta.Whilst he has a long way to go; McIlroy has the potential to beat the record of Tiger Woods' (14 Major Championships) or maybe even Jack Nicklaus (18 Majors). These are not my words; but rather Pádraig Harrigton's, who himself knows a thing or two about what it takes at the highest level of golf, having won three Majors himself.

NOT HAPPY: Is Rory McIlroy the heir to Tiger's golfing throne?

A few years ago, there would have been arguments that a Major golf tournament won without Tiger Woods' in the field "doesn't count" as a Major Title win. However, with the way Rory McIroy has won the US Open, there can be little doubt that not even Tiger in his pomp would have gotten anywhere near him. Fitting that Rory won this Major with a record low score of 16 under par and that the previous record holder was one Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods. Baton being passed perhaps? Perhaps or perhaps not. What is almost certain however is that this will not be the last Major Rory holds aloft. Or the last golfing record that he breaks.